A total of 83 advanced prepayment meters have been installed across eleven Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley, Mid-West and Goldfields regions, accompanied by an app that allows customers to purchase power from the comfort of their home.
Prior to the prepayment meters, residents would have to contribute to pay one community bill regardless of how much power each house used.
Over time, this led to more than $1.2 million of debt accumulating across eight of the communities and was inequitable for residents.
Now residents will enjoy improved affordability and pay only for what their household uses.
This initiative builds on last year’s deployment of prepayment meters in the Kimberley communities of Emu Creek, Munthanmar, Bell Springs, Mud Springs and Loanbun.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “I’m pleased the installation of the advanced prepayment meters gives the eleven Aboriginal communities a better and fairer way to pay for their power.
“Tenants living in group accommodation and having to split the one bill is now a thing of the past.
“Each electrical network in the communities has had a network inspection, and the new meters will allow for improved safety for the residents moving forward.”
